Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; let the sea resound, and all that is in it. Let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them; let all the trees of the forest sing for joy. – (Psalm 96:11-12, NIV)
Let the heavens rejoice and the earth be happy! Let the sea and everything in it shout for joy! Let the fields and everything in them be happy! Let the trees in the forest sing for joy. – (Psalm 96:11-12, ERV)
Let’s hear it from sky, with earth joining in, and a huge round of applause from the sea. Let wilderness turn cartwheels, animals, come dance, put every tree of the forest in the choir. – (Psalm 96:11-12, MSG)
My favorite place to be is outdoors, and summer is the season where I am afforded the most time to get out and enjoy creation. Though I rise before the sun, as I wake with my husband as he needs to leave for work before 5am, I am able to enjoy the stillness of the early morning, and watch and listen as the sun rises and the birds wake with song. Each day, I have the opportunity to either walk or run with my dogs, or take them for an adventure that includes exploring places that have new sights and sounds and scents. Each step, I am reminded of God’s goodness, and am in awe of the beauty that surrounds us in the Pacific Northwest. Incredibly, we have had the opportunity to visit other climates this summer as well. Despite the crazy heat, there was glorious beauty in these places as well. Wherever we are, may we recognize the glory of creation and how the hands of God have intentionally crafted it all.
All of creation,
beauty to enjoy;
made by our Savior,
His love was employed.
From mountains to seas,
forests that surround;
hand-crafted delight,
let our praise resound.
Each wave as it rolls,
knows how far to come;
to greet well the shore,
but not overcome.
The trees with their shade,
protect and keep cool;
the mountains reach up,
remind us Who rules.
Each day as we rise,
may we give God praise;
for His creation,
and His loving ways.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for all that Your hands have made. Thank You for the gift of time to enjoy it. Thank You that You show us more and more of who You are and how You love as we take in the beauty of creation. Forgive us for not appreciating it enough, or for not being good stewards of all that You have made. Show us how to care well for Your creation, and how to give You praise for all that we see and experience. Lead us to love well, as people are Your most treasured creation. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we praise You for Your goodness, love, and creativity. Amen.
© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present
The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands. – Psalm 19:2
Revelations In Writing 